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The efficiency of the automatic machine depends not only on its correct operation, but also on the competent care of its component parts. Constant contact with tap water, powder, dirt from clothes increases the risk of mold, fungi, mineral deposits inside it. Timely cleaning of the drum of the washing machine will save you from premature breakdowns of equipment, significantly increasing its service life.
What is dangerous “dirty” drum
Scale and mold, as we have already found out, are the main “enemies” of the automatic machine, which must be actively fought. It is the drum that is the most vulnerable part of the SMA in terms of the deposition of such formations on it.
Moisture and heat, which are constantly present in it, create ideal conditions for the reproduction of harmful microorganisms inside the device and the further appearance of mold. An unpleasant smell on washed clothes is the first sign that the washer needs disinfection. This situation is not dangerous for the washer itself, but sooner or later it will affect the health of its owners in the form of an allergic reaction.
A potential threat to CMA components comes from scale. Its formation is facilitated by the use of water with a high content of mineral salts. Limescale, affecting the main functional units of the SMA, reduces the efficiency of its work, and hence the quality of the wash itself. The problem will be solved by elementary cleaning of the device with special cleaners or substances that can remove harmful formations.
Effective drum cleaning methods
Cleaning this part of an automatic machine consists in treating its surface with special means. To remove mold fungi, disinfection is required. To get rid of mineral deposits, they use substances that can dissolve or at least soften them.
Any cleaning agent for an automatic machine must meet the following basic requirements:
- Effectively clean from scale, mold.
- Be safe for the items being washed and the person who will wear them.
- Be harmless to the technology itself.
How to effectively clean the washer and at the same time not harm it, we will tell further.
Using industrial cleaners
Specialty cleaners to remove scale and germs, of which there are more than enough in the household chemical departments, do the job effectively. Antibacterial cleaners such as Kaneyo and Nagara have proven themselves well.
The first is produced in the form of a liquid substance, the second – in tablets. They effectively remove dirt, unpleasant odors, soap deposits, and mold fungi. Suitable for all tympanic SMAs.
Use products (especially highly concentrated ones) according to package directions. Incorrectly selected dosage can damage the internal mechanisms of the device.
Many manufacturers of SMA produce their own drugs. So, the Bosch and Mile companies developed the Topperr 3004 descaler. According to the developers, it perfectly cleans both the internal and external parts of the washing machine from limescale.
Information about the method of application and dosage of a particular preparation of industrial production is set out in the instructions. Therefore, in terms of their use, there are no difficulties. But the use of folk remedies, especially their dosage, must be treated very carefully.
The use of folk cleaning methods
In the struggle for purity, all means are good. But in the case of using food additives such as acetic and citric acid, you need to consider the possible risk of their harm to the device. Their regular use with the wrong dosage can cause:
- clogging of the drain filter and further breakdown of the pump;
- manhole cuff deformation;
- damage to the metal part of the drum;
- wear of internal plastic parts.
The likelihood that cleaning with such substances will do more harm to the technique than good is high. But opponents of household chemicals, who are used to dealing with pollution with the help of nutrients, will solve this problem with folk methods.
How to make a drum cleaner at home, read below.
Method one: cleaning with acetic or citric acid from scale
Any acid, reacting with salts, effectively copes with mineral deposits. Lemon is used in the following way:
- Take 100 grams of the substance for every 6 kg load of the washing machine.
- Pour the measured amount into the powder cuvette.
- Select a long wash cycle with a temperature of at least 60 °C.
- After the end of the cycle, an additional rinse is set.
The use of acetic acid involves the same actions as with lemon: pour 50–100 ml of vinegar into the powder receiver and set the longest washing program.
For greater efficiency, you can pause the machine in the middle of the cycle for 1 hour, and then continue washing.
Method two: cleaning with baking soda from mold
To prepare soda powder, you need to take 250 grams of soda and dilute it in 250 ml of warm water.
On a note! Today you can find ready-made soda solutions for domestic use. Look for liquid soda on the shelves with household chemicals.
Then proceed as follows:
- The prepared mixture is applied to the internal contaminated areas of the drum and actively wiped with a sponge.
- Leave the machine in this state for 30-60 minutes.
- Start washing with the maximum water temperature.
- Set the double rinse mode.
If it was not possible to remove all dirt and mold the first time, the procedure should be repeated.
Any cleaning of the washing machine is carried out on a “blank” (without linen inside) wash.
Such simple folk cleaners really solve the problem with plaque and molds. But you can use them no more than once every 2 months, but it is better to abandon them altogether in favor of proven special preparations.
Using the auto clear function
Many manufacturers of washing machines equip their equipment with an additional program – automatic drum cleaning.
In the Lji washing machines of the Direct drive series, it is called “Cleaning the drum”. Her a task — support purity inside SMA by means of deleting small particles, that not dissolve в water (sand, fiber cloth, pile и other).
The program cycle lasting 1,5 hours takes place in stages. First, pre-cleaning starts, then the main one (at the same time, the water temperature heats up to 60 ° C). The third stage is a double rinse and spin at maximum speed.
How to enable the cleaning function in the LG washer? To activate it, simultaneously press and hold for 3 seconds two buttons, which are marked with an asterisk on the control panel.
As soon as the corresponding inscription or symbols appear, you need to press Start / Pause to start the cycle.
When starting the program, do not use any additional products (decalcifiers, odor removers) – there is a risk of excessive foam formation and its escape through the cuvette.
The manufacturer recommends using the additional mode at least once a month.
There is a similar function in the technology of the brand “Samsung” – “Eco Cleaning”.
The principle of its operation is the same as in LG washing machines. But the manufacturer has provided one interesting additional function – “Notification”. The appearance of a characteristic icon with an asterisk indicates that the machine needs Eco cleaning. With such a convenient option from Samsung, it is impossible to miss the moment of cleaning.
Beko washing machines also have a self-cleaning program – Self Clean. It provides hygienic treatment of equipment at temperatures above 70 °C.
The principle of operation of auto-cleaning in any CMA is simple – it is a cycle of “idle” washing at high temperature and double rinsing in a large amount of water.
If the automatic machine is in a running state, then no auto-cleaning, alas, will help it. This option will be effective only if it is used regularly.
Prevention is the best care for your washing machine
Systematic maintenance of equipment will eliminate the need to choose between certain cleaners. After all, it is better to prevent a problem than to deal with it. Therefore, in order to prevent the formation of scale and pollution, you should:
- If possible, install a filter to soften tap water.
- Use a special descaler at the intervals specified by the manufacturer in the instructions for the device.
- Periodically wash at the maximum allowable water temperature.
- After the end of the operation of the device, leave the hatch door ajar (it is desirable that it stays in this position all the time).
- After each wash, wipe the cuff of the hatch with a dry cloth, removing excess moisture.
Such simple rules for caring for the CMA drum will save you from many unpleasant moments during the operation of the equipment and will certainly extend its service life.